Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
Every listener has their own memories and personal connections to musical works.
This time, we’ve put together a selection of “tear-jerker” songs that are likely to be especially memorable for women in their 50s.
The focus is on hit songs from the 1980s to the 1990s and the popular ballads of the time.
As you read this article, we hope it helps you recall your own “good old days,” and that just hearing a melody or a line of lyrics will instantly bring back the atmosphere of that nostalgic era—letting you feel the power of music.
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Tear-jerking songs recommended for women in their 50s: Classic and popular Japanese tracks (1–10)
red flowerchiaki naomi
Naomi Chiaki, who has left a brilliant legacy as an actress and singer.
The ballad in which she sings of a woman reminiscing about the past is “Akai Hana” (Red Flower).
The song is also memorable as her de facto last single, released before she suspended her career following the death of her husband, Eiji Go.
Knowing this background, you can feel an even deeper sorrow in her voice when you listen.
Or, you can simply enjoy it as a way to look back on beautiful memories of the past.
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko
Included on Seiko Matsuda’s 13th album SUPREME, which was released in June 1986.
Seiko Matsuda has released many songs, and Ruriiro no Chikyuu (Azure Earth) is one of her signature tracks, but astonishingly, it has never been released as a single! There are numerous remakes by Matsuda herself as well as cover versions by other artists, which also speaks to the song’s classic status.
The piece itself is a very beautiful ballad centered on piano and vocals; just listening to it brings vivid images of our beautiful planet to mind and leaves you with a gentle, soothing feeling.
makeupShimizu Shota
Kesho is a song that expresses the bittersweet feelings of a woman in love through makeup.
As one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature breakup songs, it has been cherished for many years.
Here, we introduce the version covered by Shota Shimizu.
While the original is already quite heartrending, the cover’s whispery vocals give it an even more poignant feel.
Each has its own charm, so it’s worth listening to both and comparing.
Many artists, including Fuyumi Sakamoto, have also covered the song, so be sure to check those out if you’re interested.
Tear-Jerking Songs Recommended for Women in Their 50s: Classic and Popular Japanese Hits (11–20)
I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko
This was Kyoko Koizumi’s 32nd single overall, released in May 1991.
It served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Papa to Nacchan,” in which Koizumi appeared alongside Masakazu Tamura as a father-daughter duo.
Incidentally, the lyrics were written by Koizumi herself, and the “you” in the song refers to her father; she wrote the lyrics by likening her father to a lover, which led to the song’s content.
For many women in their 50s, it’s not uncommon to have experienced a kind of farewell with their fathers, perhaps upon marriage, so if you listen to the song through the lens of that experience, it may resonate even more deeply.
JunTakahashi Mariko
Singer Mariko Takahashi, who thrives with her powerful vocals, is not to be missed—especially her breakup song “Jun.” Set on a pier in Yokohama, the song portrays the parting of the female protagonist and a man called Jun.
A key point is how vividly it conveys the woman’s inner feelings as she wishes not to break up.
Because of this, listeners with or without similar experiences can immerse themselves in its world.
The mellow sound that heightens the dramatic development is also a major draw.
Love is overŌyō Fifi
This song, one of Faye Ouyang’s signature works, evokes a lingering poignancy and deep emotion.
The lyrics, which convey the pain of heartbreak and profound affection for the other person, resonate with listeners.
Originally released in 1979 as a B-side, it did not make a notable impact at first, but word of mouth gradually spread, leading to its re-release as an A-side in July 1980.
Since then, it has continued to be cherished, become known as a classic, and has been covered by many artists.
For those with rich life experiences, it is a song that will be etched in the heart along with memories.
Its relaxed atmosphere also makes it perfect for spending time with someone special.
A woman born in OsakaBORO
Known as a local song of Osaka, “Osaka de Umareta Onna” (The Woman Born in Osaka) is a track sung by singer-songwriter BORO.
He reportedly wrote it in response to a request for “a song about Osaka.” The original was an epic with as many as 18 verses, depicting the breakup between a man who decides to move to Tokyo and a woman who chooses to stay in Osaka, as well as their lives thereafter.
The version widely known today extracts only several parts, so only the key elements of the story are sung.